Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Victorian Picture Frame Makeover




I love these old Victorian picture frames. Originally they were usually gold gilded. I sometimes do gilding, but shiny gold picture frames aren't much in style right now. So, I look for other ways to bring new life to these old gems.

This particular frame is for an 8" x 10" picture. It dates back to around 1885.

It is called a "reverse" frame, because of the way the outside edges of the frame are flat against the wall, while the center is raised, to lift the picture.

I wanted to modernize the look a little bit, so instead of gilding this one, I chose flat black paint.

I didn't do anything special here. I just cleaned up the frame with some soapy water and a toothbrush. I let it dry and then shot it with flat black spray paint.
Here is the after .....




My cost on this antique frame was $5.00, plus a can of paint. Hope you like it.




Please don't forget to visit my Link Party Directory so you can see all the great parties I am linking up with this week! Also please join my link party too, Modern Craftswoman Monday.

35 comments:

Donna @ The House on the Corner said...

I LOVE what you did with the frame!! Just the right combination of antique and modern. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog!! It means the world to me :-)

Red Door Home said...

Love it! The black makes the frame look very up to date.

Mya said...

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions about the repair of the cabinet.
This gives me the information I need to finish a project started by a prior house owner. They turned the cabinet that housed the oven into a microwave cubby/shelf but did not finish the interior. walls. I think now I can make it have a finished looked. Thank you again

Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch said...

This one is beautiful too. I see all sorts of cool frames at goodwill, but I have passed them up because I haven't known what to do with them. You have some great ideas. How do you come up with them. Does the frame (or project) "speak" to you. Or do you just decide what to do and do it?

Thanks for linking to Transform Tuesday. I really like what I've seen so far.

Sarah

Olivia said...

Hey girl I love what you did with the frame! Too cute, oh sorry too, i spaced linking back to you....I am not sure if my brain just turns off or if it has been mushed by being a mommy~
hugs,
Olivia

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Hi Sarah,

Funny you should use the term "speak to me", because I use that same term all the time. I don't always start a project as soon as I get it home, because sometimes I just don't know what to do with it. But, whenever I am unsure of a direction to go with a project, I put the piece in question next to the TV so I can relax and be around it, until it finally "speaks to me". I always like to create something that is a little over-the-top, and I try to figure out ways to make that happen. I have in the past had projects sit next to the TV for several weeks, although it is usually more like a day or two.

Rory

ClassyChassy said...

Very nice!

Lamp Tramp said...

I'll let you know shortly about my supply of oyster shells. Going there this weekend for a new stash, I hope, I hope!

Cassie Bustamante said...

i LOVE it in the black- so updated and modern now! sorry i didn't get to link to the part yesterday. i was recovering from my crazy weekend, but i plan to be there monday!

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Hey There Cassie!

Nice to see you stop by. My party goes on until tommorow night, if you feel like you want to join us. No problem. Thanks for saying hello.

Rory

Bonnie @ House of Grace said...

Great Find!!!! Thanks for linking up to my Twice Owned Tuesday Party!
Bonnie

Rebekah Greiman said...

Very cool, Rory! I love this. I usually just stick with the gold, but I think I need to branch out a bit. I get stuck in the proverbial rut quite a bit!

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Hello My Friend Rebekah,

Nice to see you. I started out doing these old frames by learning how to do gold leaf as they were done originally. But now I just have fun with them. The gesso material that these frames are made out of is a great canvas to experiment on. One of these days I will have to do a post on some of the crazy stuff I have done with them. Glad you liked it.

Rory

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is wonderful- it's amazing how fresh this looks now!

mle said...

The black is a show-stopper! Love it!!

Nikki said...

Love it, I'm such a sucker for old frames!!!! Thanks for linking up to gettin' crafty on hump day! :)

Jingle said...

This is gorgeous!

Bec said...

I love how such a simple makeover makes the details of the frame pop more than if it was over-done gilded! Nice work!

http://www.theiheartblog.com

Atticmag said...

The frame looks very good in black but I do love gilded frames -- the chippier the better. Jane F

Rebecca@This Present Life said...

What a difference! It really adds so much charm to the frame. I love it! I'm having a similar problem with a frame (see my blog) and everyone is telling me to paint it black. After seeing yours, I'm convinced black is the right way to go!

http://happybabydesigns.blogspot.com

Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden said...

Very nice! I love the black paint on all of the detail! I will definitely try to link up to your party next week.

Thanks for sharing at My Backyard Eden!

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

Beautifully done!

Tanya said...

I like it very much and the picture inside it is perfect!

KimMalk said...

It looks great, nice job.

Sharon said...

very pretty!

Fawnda@Fireflies and Jellybeans said...

Wonderful job! : )

Sandy said...

Looks great, especially with the black and white photo!

Kathy said...

very striking! An excellent change!
Kathy

Decorchick! said...

I love it! Looks so great. Visiting from Thrifty Treasures Monday at SH. :)

Unknown said...

I love this one!!
Thank you for sharing at last week's Anything Related!

Leslie said...

I am digging this! It turned out AMAZING! Thanks for linking it up to Hoo's got talent!

Mad in Crafts said...

Thanks for linking up to the Mad Skills Party!

Room to Inspire said...

This is such a great frame and it looks even better in black! Thanks for linking up to Be Inspired last week.

Chelsea

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

The frames details are incredible. Love the new color - fabulous transformation! Thanks so much for joining The Sunday Showcase. Stephanie Lynn

Felicity said...

Hello. I love the frame! It's great when people find a way for antiques to fit into their lives, it keep history alive! Im working on a big mirror myself